Hair roller with clamp and clip assembly

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a hair roller device and hair rolling system that includes an integrated hair holding clip with comb teeth to keep the hair straight and held in place when the hair is in the roller. The clip can be flexible and adjustable to accommodate large locks of hair and different hair types. The roller system includes a heated, velvet lined jaw clip to hold the hair in the roller and to enhance the curl.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/738,695, filed Dec. 18, 2012 and titled “HAIR ROLLER WITH CLIP AND CLIP ASSEMBLY” which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a hair roller device and system for rolling hair for styling purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional rollers and hair rollers do not have a way of holding the hair to the roller itself other than a corrugated surface and typically they only have clips that are at room temperature to hold the hair on the roller once the hair has been rolled on. Currently there are a number of solutions for curling hair with rollers. Some of these solutions attempt to make it easier to curl the hair, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because it is still very difficult to roll the hair around the roller without it slipping out. Other solutions attempt to catch the hair with a hook and loop fastening system, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because they are difficult to get the hair out once it has been curled without ruining the roller. Still other solutions seek to hold the hair in place with a bobby pin or hair clip, but they require an extra purchase once you lose them or they break.

It is also difficult to get the hair started in traditional rollers and the alternative of using hot metal rollers will burn a user or are very hot to touch as the user is putting them on. It would be desirable to have a hair rolling device that has means to hold the hair in place while the hair is being rolled. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a device that makes it easy to roll the hair as a curling iron without the burn risk of curling irons. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a device that simplifies hair curling without the risk of burning the user and is quick, easy to use and will help keep the curl once the hair roller is removed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the invention described herein advantageously fill the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a new hot roller or curler device and system that “clips” the hair to the hot roller to make it easier to roll the hair and also has a jaw clip member to hold the roller in the hair so as to enhance the curl, thereby providing better support for rolling the hair and ease of use for the user. In a related embodiment, the roller would also have a clip or jaw clip that is also heated, thereby enhancing the curl when the user is finished. In this example embodiment, the roller system heats the hair from the hair clip member as well as the roller to increase the curl from multiple points. The clip member can also be configured to be adjustable to accommodate large locks of hair.

In one example embodiment, a hair styling system is provided that includes a heatable, substantially-cylindrical roller having a longitudinal body portion with a first and second end and an outer surface, the roller having a clamp member operatively connected to the first end of the roller which extends along the longitudinal body portion and in contact with the outer surface of the roller. The system further includes a hair clip member adapted to grasp a portion of the longitudinal portion of the roller body, the hair clip configured to have two spring-biased opposing grasping members adapted to open and grasp about the longitudinal portion of the roller. In a related embodiment, the hair clip member is heatable and the clamp member is configured to have a plurality of teeth to enhance the grip of a portion of hair of a user. In another related embodiment, at least one of the opposing grasping members is configured in a shape that is selected from the group consisting of semi-circular channel member corresponding to the outer surface of the roller, a semi-circular shaped plurality of teeth and a planar member configured to grasp the roller outer surface. In a related embodiment, the roller outer surface further comprises a gripping configuration selected from the group consisting of a corrugated surface, a velvet surface, a textured surface material and a tacky surface material. In yet another related embodiment, the system further includes a roller support unit adapted to store and, when in use, simultaneously heat the roller and the hair clip member.

In another example embodiment, method for curling a user's hair with a hair styling assembly is taught that includes the steps of providing a heatable, substantially-cylindrical roller having a clamp member operatively connected to a first end of said roller, the clamp member extending along a length of a surface of the roller. The method also includes the step of providing a hair clip member adapted to grasp a portion of the length of the roller, the hair clip member configured to have two spring-biased opposing grasping members configured to open by a user and grasp about the length of the roller. The next steps include securing a portion of the hair between the roller and the clamp and rolling the portion of hair onto the roller and then securing the roller with the hair clip. The next step is leaving the portion of hair on the roller for a desired time interval and removing the hair clip member and the roller from the hair. In a related curling method, further steps include heating the hair roller and the hair clip member before securing a portion of hair in the roller.

In yet another example embodiment, a heatable roller hair system is provided that includes a heatable, substantially-cylindrical roller having a longitudinal body portion with a first and second end and an outer surface. The system also includes a heatable hair clip member adapted to grasp a portion of the longitudinal portion of the roller, the hair clip configured to have two opposing grasping members adapted to open and grasp about the longitudinal portion of the roller. In a related embodiment, the roller includes a clamp member operatively connected to the first end of the roller which extends along the longitudinal body portion above the outer surface of the roller. In this example embodiment, the clamp member is configured to have a plurality of teeth to enhance the grip of a portion of hair. In yet another related embodiment, the roller outer surface further comprises a gripping configuration selected from the group consisting of a corrugated surface, a velvet surface, a textured surface material and a tacky surface material. In another example embodiment, the roller of system includes a roller support unit adapted to store and simultaneously heat the roller and the hair clip member.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other important advantages of the various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which;

FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of the hair roller with a clamp open according to the invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of the hair roller with the clamp closed;

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the hair roller and clamp member; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a hair clip member according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the invention are directed to a hot or heated roller that “clips” the user's hair to the hot roller to make it easier to roll the hair. In a related embodiment, a roller system includes a roller that is heated and a heated jaw clip to hold the heated or hot roller in the hair to thereby enhance the curl. The hair roller and system described herein advantageously will help women roll their hair fast because the integrated clip will start the hair rolling process. This should also be a safer alternative to heated metal curling irons. The roller core is heated from the inside and along with the heated jaw clip member the rolling system will enhance the curl. The hair roller system is configured to be used with any hair type and with separate hair pieces. In a related embodiment, the hair rollers need not be heated and can still form a curl when used with the heated jaw clip.

In another example embodiment, the novel roller is velvet-lined (or uses a hook and loop fastening surface) and has a hair holding clip or claw member with a plurality of comb teeth that securely holds the hair to the roller. The roller also has a velvet lined, heated jaw clip member that holds the roller to the hair and aids in keeping the hair even and horizontal to the roller.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-2 collectively illustrate a hair rolling system comprised of various components. Although not shown, a hair roller support and storage unit is provided that is configured to heat one or more of the components of the hair rolling system in a microwave oven, gas or electric oven or through a resistive heating system integrated with or adapted to work with the hair roller support and storage system.

Referring now to FIG. 1A there is illustrated an example embodiment of a roller 100 having a longitudinal body portion 101 and a first end 110 and a second end 112. In this example embodiment, roller 100 includes an integrated clamp or claw clip 102 that can open like a cantilever, similar to a curling iron, and is adapted to hold the user's hair in place while rolling the hair up into a curl. The size and width of the clamp member 102 may vary depending on the hair type. Inside roller 100 is a heat absorbing configuration 110 that is adapted to absorb external heat, such as from an oven or a resistive heater (such as heated posts that protrude from the base to heat the inside of roller 100). In a related embodiment, heat absorbing configuration 110 is comprised of a material that is heated by microwave or infrared heating. Rollers can be made from, but are not limited to, ceramic technology, steam technology, titanium rollers or negative technology. Rollers are made of plastic, ceramic, heat-resistant rubber, Teflon or other material.

In a related embodiment, although not shown, roller 100 is operable without clamp 102 and includes a roller outer surface 101 that includes a gripping configuration to assist in the hair rolling over the roller. In this and various example embodiments taught herein, the gripping configuration is selected from a group consisting of a corrugated surface, a velvet surface, a textured surface material and a tacky surface material.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown an isometric view of hair roller 100 with integrated clamp 102, which is closed on top of roller surface 101A of roller 100, with minimal change to the cylindrical shape of roller 100. In a related embodiment, the roller surface is corrugated to enhance hair grip and hold. Roller 100 also includes a hinge 106 that has a spring-like action to hold the user's hair in place while rolling. In a related embodiment, hinge 106 along with the spring is configured to be adjustable so as to accommodate thicker portions of hair (or different types of hair) that are rolled onto the roller.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, there is shown a side view of the hair roller 100 and integrated clip 102. Once the roller is hot, hair holding clip 102 with comb teeth 104 securely holds a user's hair to the roller. The roller system can also have a separate heated, velvet lined jaw clip that holds the hair in the roller.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an isometric view of a separate hair clip member or jaw or claw clip 200 adapted for use with the rolling system described herein. In this example embodiment, clip member 200 is comprised of two spring-biased opposing members 210A and 210B that open by depressing a set of grips 212 connected at a hinge joint 206. In this embodiment, jaw clip includes a plurality of comb teeth 214 to hold the hair in place. In a related embodiment, jaw clip 200 is configured to include two-semicircular solid members (similar in shape to the roller or a clamshell) to “cup” or grab the hair onto the roller (not shown). In yet another related embodiment, the two-half members of the jaw clip are flat in shape (similar to a paper clamp or chip bag clip) (not shown). In a related embodiment, the hair clip member is configurable to accommodate thicker portions of hair.

In one example embodiment, at least a portion of comb teeth 214 are comprised of heatable material that radiate heat when used on hair on the roller. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the grips 202 are comprised of a heat resistant material. In another embodiment, an inside surface of comb teeth 214 and an upper portion of opposing members 210A and 210B are comprised of or coated with a heatable material for providing radiant heat to hair on the roller. Once clip 200 and associated teeth 214 are heated, heated hair (jaw) clip 200 is put over roller 100 after the hair is rolled up in it to hold the hair and roller in place near the roots of the hair.

In another example embodiment, hot roller 100 is velvet wrapped or coated and includes a clip or clamp 102 with “comb teeth” to keep the hair straight while in the roller (not shown). In a related embodiment, the roller 100 when used as a kit or assembly has a hair holding jaw clip 200 that is also velvet-lined and heated to enhance the curl. In yet another related embodiment, ceramic layered technology is used in clip 200 to help keep the curl longer. The roller system described herein can use a standard roller heating system to heat the inner core of the rollers before they are used.

In a related embodiment, roller 100 described above is configured to have a resistive heating element within the roller body 101 configured with an external electrical contact at the second end (end without the clamp) that mounts to and makes electrical contact with a base unit have a plurality of electrical contacts and means to support each roller in the base electrical unit. The means to support the plurality of rollers 100 can be individual posts or pockets or partial holes in the base to support the rollers while in electrical contact with the electrical base. In other related embodiments, portability and compactness is achieved where roller 100 has an electrical jack at one end for receiving a cord (not shown) for charging, similar to a cell phone charger. In yet another embodiment, roller 100 is configurable to include retracting and retractable electrical prongs for direct insertion and heating into a wall outlet for AC operation or configured for DC operation when using a 12 volt charger in a car or other DC source. In yet another embodiment, roller 100 is configurable with a base unit (not shown) that charges each roller 100. These embodiments are also applicable to jaw clip 200, where clip 200 is itself the self-heating element using the above configurations and the roller is either heated or non-heated.

In related embodiments, the hair roller 100 and system described herein include a light indicator (not shown) for when rollers are at an optimal heat temperature during heating. In the roller support and storage unit, a light with the off/on switch indicating when the rollers are turned on is included along with a variable temperature control (for low, med or high heat) as well as a timed automatic shut off for safety. In a related embodiment, the roller system includes an electrical cord (for AC or DC operation) and/or batteries. The roller storage and heating unit can also accommodate different sizes of rollers or rollers of one size and the rollers can be secured with pins instead of jaw clips.

In yet another related embodiment, the roller 100 is made of a velvet material made with spikes or protruding teeth to hold the hair onto the roller 100 and includes an elastic clamp member attached at a first end of the roller 110 and is configured to be temporarily attached to a second end of the roller 112. In this example embodiment, the clamping member has a curved shape similar to the roller and is attached at the second end of the roller 112 with a loop to a retractable “spring top” at the second end. When the user wants to remove the roller 100 they simply press the “spring top” and the elastic loop of the clamp member releases. When the roller is placed in a heater unit, the spring-top comes out and is ready for use when the roller is hot enough. A corresponding and separate hair clip member can also be mounted onto the heater unit for heating as well.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

The foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the specification herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various deviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention without departing from the main theme thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair styling system comprising: a heatable, substantially-cylindrical roller having a longitudinal body portion with a first and second end and an outer surface, said roller having a clamp member operatively connected to the first end of said roller which extends along the longitudinal body portion and in contact with the outer surface of said roller; and a hair clip member adapted to grasp a portion of the longitudinal portion of said roller, said hair clip configured to have two spring-biased opposing grasping members adapted to open and grasp about the longitudinal portion of said roller.
 2. The hair styling system of claim 1 wherein the hair clip member is configured to be heatable.
 3. The hair styling system of claim 2 wherein the clamp member is configured to have a plurality of teeth to enhance the grip of a portion of hair of a user.
 4. The hair styling system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said opposing grasping members is configured in a shape that is selected from the group consisting of semi-circular channel member corresponding to the outer surface of the roller, a semi-circular shaped plurality of teeth and a planar member configured to grasp the roller outer surface.
 5. The hair styling system of claim 1 wherein said roller outer surface further comprises a gripping configuration selected from the group consisting of a corrugated surface, a velvet surface, a textured surface material and a tacky surface material.
 6. The hair styling system of claim I wherein said roller body portion further comprises a heat absorbing material.
 7. The hair styling device of claim 6 wherein said heat absorbing material is adapted to heat said hair clip member.
 8. The hair styling device of claim 1 wherein the clamp member is configured to have a plurality of teeth to enhance the grip of a portion of hair of a user.
 9. The hair styling device of claim 1 wherein said roller is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, ceramic, and a composite heat-absorbing material.
 10. The hair styling device of claim 1 wherein a portion of said hair clip member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, ceramic, and a composite heat-absorbing material.
 11. The hair styling device of claim 1 further comprising a roller support adapted to store and simultaneously heat said roller and said hair clip member.
 12. A method for curling a user's hair with a hair styling assembly comprising: providing a heatable, substantially-cylindrical roller having a clamp member operatively connected to a first end of said roller, the clamp member extending along a length of a surface of said roller; providing a hair clip member adapted to grasp a portion of the length of said roller, said hair clip member configured to have two spring biased opposing grasping members configured to open and grasp about the length of said roller; securing a portion of the hair between said roller and said clamp and rolling said portion of hair onto said roller; securing said roller in said hair clip and leaving said portion of hair on said roller and said hair clip for a desired time interval; and removing said hair clip member and said roller from the hair.
 13. The method of claim 12 further including the step of heating said roller before securing a portion of hair.
 14. The method of claim 13 further including the step of heating said hair clip before securing a portion of hair in said roller.
 15. The method of claim 12 further including the step of heating said hair clip before securing a portion of hair in said roller.
 16. A heatable roller hair system comprising: a heatable, substantially-cylindrical roller having a longitudinal body portion with a first and second end and an outer surface; and a heatable hair clip member adapted to grasp a portion of the longitudinal portion of said roller, said hair clip configured to have two opposing grasping members adapted to open and grasp about the longitudinal portion of said roller.
 17. The roller system of claim 16 wherein said roller includes a clamp member operatively connected to the first end of said roller which extends along the longitudinal body portion above the outer surface of said roller.
 18. The roller system of claim 17 wherein the clamp member is configured to have a plurality of teeth to enhance the grip of a portion of hair.
 19. The roller system of claim 16 wherein said roller outer surface further comprises a gripping configuration selected from the group consisting of a corrugated surface, a velvet surface, a textured surface material and a tacky surface material.
 20. The roller of system claim 16 further comprising a roller support adapted to store and simultaneously heat said roller and said hair clip member. 